by Karl Morgan
“You three just don’t get it, do you?” Bill Dixon asked and then chuckled. “I suppose I was like you before the surgery too. God, do you know how much you people stink? And then there is the dripping and oozing, coughing and scratching. It is disgusting to watch.”
“Watch your mouth, Dad!”
“Or you’ll what?” Bill shouted back.
Diane removed her phone and began to dial. “Mr. Dixon, I’m calling Doctor Smith now. I think your bionics are not set correctly. He’ll take care of this.”
In a single motion, Bill jumped up and over the couch, landing on his feet in front of Diane. He grabbed her phone and crushed it in his bionic hand, dropping the fragments to the floor. “I don’t need your help, Doctor,” he barked. “I’m fine, in fact, I’m better than fine. Finally, my freaking eyes are open to all of you.”
Ted stepped between Diane and his father. “You’d better back off, Dad!”
Bill grabbed his son by the shirt and held him up in the air. “Don’t make me hurt you, Teddy. You’re over your head on this one.” He tossed Ted onto the couch, where he bounced and fell to the floor. Bill pushed his way between Diane and Louise, knocking them both down. Just before he left the room, he turned and said, “Don’t try to contact me or find me. Louise, you can have my pension, I don’t need it anymore. Consider us divorced.” He turned and walked away. They could hear the front door slam behind him. Diane crawled over to Louise and put her arms around her, trying to comfort her.
Ted climbed to his feet, rubbing his chest where his father had grabbed him. “Ann X23?”
The mechanized voice said, “Yes, Ted.”
“Remove access privileges for William Dixon.”
“Acknowledged, may I have a confirmation?”
Ted stared at his crying mother, who wiped her eyes and said, “Confirm remove access privileges for William Dixon.”
“Acknowledged and confirmed. Have a nice day.”
“When did this happen, Mom?” Ted asked.
“It started yesterday, right after we left the hospital. You never showed up for lunch, but he started to pick on me at the restaurant.”
“Ted, this is very serious,” Diane said. “Let me have your phone to contact Doctor Smith.” He handed her the phone and then helped both women to their feet.
Ted and his mother sat on one couch while Diane sat on another. He held Louise’s hands and noted, “I can’t believe this is happening.”
“Teddy, can I stay at your place for a while? I’m afraid he’ll come back here. He could kill us, you know?”
“I thought he was going to kill me a few minutes ago, so yeah. Do you think we’ll be safe at my place?”
“I think Stella is pretty tough,” Louise smiled.
Diane handed the phone back to Ted and interjected, “You two aren’t going to like this.” They looked back at her. “Apparently, this is happening with almost all transference subjects. Second Chance is suggesting that all procedures be delayed until the cause can be determined.”
“Will they be able to help my Bill?” Louise asked.
“I don’t think anyone knows that yet,” Diane sighed.
§
President Alexis Carmichael was deep below Washington in the security bunker, where the senior leadership now lived due to the risk of nuclear attack. She was sitting alone in the telepresence conference room looking at the blank video wall in front of her. She took a sip of her soda and waited. Soon, the other world leaders would appear on the screen to discuss world events. There was a rap on the door, which then opened and Vice President Isabel Garcia walked in and closed the door behind her. She sat to the President’s left. “I’m sorry I’m late, Alexis.”
“What are you doing here? You know we aren’t supposed to be in the same place. You should be on Air Force One, far from here.”
Garcia frowned and replied, “But you asked me to come here yourself.”
“No, I did not,” Carmichael insisted. The video screen came to life in six sections. Furthest to the left was Premier Marco Andrade of the UASR. “We’ll figure this out later, Isabel,” Carmichael whispered. Next to Andrade was President Han of the Asian Republic, then Caliph Ibrahim of the Central Caliphate, President Becker of the European Union, and Lord Nmanbe of the African Empire. The final panel was still dark. “Gentlemen, it’s good to see you all today.”
“Has there been any word on my dear friend, Hossain?” Ibrahim asked. “I still cannot believe someone would detonate a nuclear over Tehran. Who would do such a thing?”
“Clearly, the Asian Republic is the most likely suspect,” Andrade offered. “They were at war with him.”
“Watch your tongue, Andrade,” Han scolded. “We do not attack innocents, as in the Tunis incident.”
“Please everyone, let’s try to remain civil,” President Becker begged. “Our speculation will not resolve this situation. Alexis, perhaps you should get to the point of this meeting.”
“I am told we will have a guest on screen is less than ten seconds,” Carmichael noted.
“This is very unusual,” Ibrahim said. The final panel came to life. Sitting together were Caliph Hossain and General Mustafa, looking very angry. “Brother Hossain, it is a miracle! Praise Allah that you are safe!”
“Shut up, Ibrahim! I know you are the one who attacked Tehran. Thanks to this man, most of the residents and my family were able to escape.”
“I have no idea what you are talking about,” Ibrahim replied.
“There is more to be told, Caliph,” Mustafa said.
“Please tell everyone, dear friend,” Hossain urged.
“Dear people, I am Mustafa, a loyal servant of Caliph Hossain for many years as a general in the army. We were given a gift of armored vehicles by Caliph Ibrahim to help us defeat the Republic army. I was given command of that resource and led my soldiers across the Chambal River to outflank the enemy.”
“This story is preposterous,” Ibrahim laughed. “I recall no such gift.”
“We were getting close to our objective when we came upon a large minefield that had not been seen by our surveillance flights only hours earlier. We were stopped to consider new plans when we noticed a single man walking toward us through the minefield. Of course, we assumed he would be blown to pieces at any time, but he made it through to us. That man told me personally about the pending strike on Tehran, and that the tanks were booby trapped. I ordered my men to abandon the vehicles and as I ran to get away, they began to explode. If that odd man had not arrived when he did, my men and I would all be dead now, as would the caliph and most of our leaders,” Mustafa finished.
Ibrahim was laughing loudly while the others on the call looked perplexed and confused. “So, a man walks through a minefield in the middle of the Indian subcontinent and tells you all of this. What a ridiculous story! Who could possibly believe a story like this?”
All of the screens went dark for a second, and then Henri Sattu appeared on each. “Good day to you all. My name is Henri Sattu. First of all, General Mustafa is correct when he talks about a man walking through the minefield. But he has missed the point. The man in that field was Joshua Carpenter, a young man from the American Republic. President Carmichael, it is good to see you again. I know you are aware of this person, true?”
“Yes, Mr. Sattu, our government is very aware of Mr. Carpenter. But your interruption of an encrypted government line is a serious felony and could be considered espionage or sedition. Perhaps you should disconnect before you face prison time.”
Sattu began to laugh and he wiped the tears from his eyes. “Do what you wish, Madam President, but it will accomplish nothing. Let me tell you about Joshua Carpenter. He is the one you should be worried about. Joshua presumes he should be the absolute dictator of this planet, and he has the power to make that happen. Let us consider the story Mustafa told you. The attack on Tehran and the exploding tanks are real; however, I believe Mustafa was too quick to accept the contention that Ibrahim was resp
onsible.”
“Exactly my point,” Ibrahim said, although only Sattu was visible.
“I believe that Monsieur Carpenter is responsible for both attacks!” Sattu finished.
“Based on what evidence?” Carmichael asked.
“Look at everything else that man has done,” Sattu replied. “His powers grow by the hour. Who is to say he is not capable of doing those things?”
“That’s pure conjecture, Sattu,” President Becker argued.
“The ability to do something does not condemn a man without trial,” Carmichael agreed. “Whatever technology you used to hack this call is equally concerning.”
“I have told you the truth about that man, so my conscious is clear,” Sattu said. “There will come a time in the near future when you will see things my way. I only hope that day arrives before it is too late and you become slaves to Joshua Carpenter.”
Premier Andrade cleared his throat and said, “For the sake of argument, Mr. Sattu, what you would have us do?”
“First of all, the war in Asia must stop. The Asian Republic needs to withdraw to their former borders and all governments need to stop any terrorist activities. Then we all need to form closer bonds to constrain Mr. Carpenter and keep him from causing more death and destruction.”
“Closer bonds meaning all of us answering to you?” Carmichael asked.
Sattu smiled, but said, “Of course not! That would make me like Carpenter. I would agree that a single person should coordinate activities, although the world leaders would retain sovereignty. I recommend someone like Hammond Finch. He has global experience and works with all of you very closely. But ultimately you would make that choice. The coordinator would work at your pleasure.”
Carmichael sighed. “I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’ve had about enough of this crap.” She pressed a button and the screens went dark. She turned to the Vice President and said, “What did you think about that?”
“I’m glad I’m not sitting in your chair, Alexis,” Garcia smiled.
“Now tell me why you’re here and not on Air Force One?”
“Because you are on Air Force One, Madam President.”
“Uh, no, I’m right here. What’s the meaning of this, Isabel?”
The room went completely dark. A flash of light illuminated a beast that grabbed Carmichael, winked at Garcia, and disappeared again. The lights came on and two Secret Service agents rushed into the room. “Are you okay, Madam Vice President?” one of them asked.
“Yes, I’m fine. What happened out there?” she replied.
§
Shirley wandered about in the forest, trying to find a way to escape the giant flying beasts she knew would come back for her. An open field was visible through the trees ahead and she ran toward it. She emerged from the trees and rushed up a small rise, and stopped cold. The mansion where she had awoken was a few hundred feet away, and Henri Sattu was sitting on a small stone bench not ten feet from her. “I’m glad you found your way back home, Shirley,” he smiled, stood and started to approach her. She was too frightened to move, standing there transfixed while her rough tunic and armor changed into a ball gown. Sattu put his arms around her and hugged her tightly. He kissed her cheek and said, “Let’s go inside. I’m sure you must be famished, you haven’t eaten anything all day.” He released her and turned to walk toward the house.
“Please let me go, Mr. Sattu,” she begged.
“Let you go, but my darling, this is your new home!” he exclaimed. “You are about to become the most famous and wealthy woman on Earth. Think of what you can accomplish with that notoriety.” He took her hand and began to pull her along.
“But you’re not human, Mr. Sattu?”
“Henri, please call me Henri.”
“What kind of demon are you, Henri?”
He spun around and grabbed her shoulders, his eyes glowing red. “The king of the demons, my dear, and you shall be my queen!”
“I don’t want to be queen, and I certainly do not intend to marry you!”
Her grabbed her by the throat and squeezed. “You would prefer to die here and now?” After a few seconds, he released her and she fell to her knees gasping for breath. “I can make that happen, but it would sadden me greatly.”
Between coughs, she asked, “But you don’t even know me, why do you want me anyway? I’m sure there are plenty of other women who would adore such power. Why me?”
He picked her up, put an arm around her waist and began to dance. Instantly, they were in a large ballroom full of people waltzing. A small orchestra played, and hundreds more guests sat at large tables laden with food and drink. As they moved with the crowd, he looked in her eyes and said, “This could be every day of your life, Shirley. Imagine the fun and excitement of having everything you ever wished for?”
“You’re not answering my question, Henri. Why pick me?”
He stopped dancing and the room was suddenly empty and quiet. He pulled her to him and pressed his lips to hers. She tried to pull free, but his strength was immense. Finally, he released her and laughed. “You are my bait, Shirley, but surely you figured that out already? As long as I have you, Joshua Carpenter is under my control.”
“I broke up with him, Henri, so you have nothing.”
“No my dear, it is you who has nothing,” he smiled. “If what you say is true, you turned on the only person who had any chance of saving you. No one can find you or is willing to come for you, so you had better hope Joshua’s feelings for you continue. If not, you will grow old and die in this house. But it is your choice, my dear. You can live that life as a queen, or hidden away in that bedroom, or better yet, the dungeon.”
“Please just kill me now then. That would be better than living here.”
“Unfortunately, that is not a viable option for me, Shirley. If you are dead, he will come for me, and perhaps he may be able to stop me. I am not willing to take that risk.”
“I don’t think you have any better options,” she laughed. Instantly, they were standing in a massive room full of silver chambers. The atmosphere was bitterly cold and she began to shiver. “What is this place?”
“This is my other option, my dear.” He grabbed her and threw her over his shoulder and began walking down the long aisle between rows of chambers. “You refuse to be queen, and I cannot allow you to die. I’m afraid you leave me no other choice.”
She squirmed to get away and shouted, “Put me down, you bastard!”
Sattu stopped next to a chamber and threw open the lid, and then dropped Shirley onto the mattress inside. He slammed the door closed. “Last chance, Shirley Cambridge, do you want to be queen?”
“Let me out of here, you son a bitch!”
“Wrong answer!” he said as he pressed a switch causing the chamber to fill with fog. It cleared in a few seconds. Shirley appeared to be frozen, with an odd half-smile on her frosty face. “Stupid bitch,” he growled. “You could have had everything.”
“Brother,” a voice said from behind him.
Sattu spun around to see the beast Nisfat a few feet away. “What do you want?”
“I’m sorry about the woman, master.”
“You came here to tell me that?”
“No, brother,” he squeaked. “Zinta and I went to recover father, I mean Adlat’s body, but it was gone. Perhaps wild animals consumed it.”
“It certainly wasn’t wild beasts, brother,” Sattu argued. “It had to be Emmanuel Judah. I can guarantee that.”
“Why would he want the body, brother?”
“It would seem our father and Judah have formed an alliance against us. Will you stand with me or them?”
“I have sworn my loyalty to you, master. That will never change.”
Sattu rubbed his chin. “I hope that remains true, brother. What of the other job?”
Nisfat shrank into a short, thick-set man with a shock of red hair. “I’m glad you asked,” he said as he hurried to the next row of chambers. “Come an
d look!”
Sattu walked over to the chamber and looked inside at Alexis Carmichael. “You have done very well, Claude!” he noted as he clapped his brother on the back. “What about the rest?”
“All are here, except Caliph Hossain and President Han. They are meeting today to begin negotiations on a peace treaty. We thought the change might be too obvious under that circumstance.”
“That was an excellent decision. We have time on our side now, so there is no need to take unnecessary chances.”
“There is a small problem, master,” Claude admitted. Henri glowered at his brother. “It seems the caliph invited Joshua Carpenter to the negotiation for protection.”
“I think it’s time we eliminate Mr. Carpenter as a threat once and for all.”
“I’d be happy to kill him for you, master.”
Henri laughed and put his arm around his brother’s shoulders. “Oh, if it was only that easy, Claude. We will try, but I am not certain fate will not allow us that pleasure. If necessary, we need to find another way to convince him to stay out of our affairs.”
“I have an idea, brother!”
“No harm can come to Shirley Cambridge.”
Claude grinned broadly and said, “You are going to love this idea, master.”
Chapter 14
It was a cold rainy afternoon in Vienna, but expectations were high as the leaders of the Asian Republic and Eastern Caliphate were finally meeting to discuss an end to the war. Joshua looked out the large window at the city, while the diplomats exchanged pleasantries and awaited the two leaders. Josh had always dreamed of backpacking through Europe, but being somewhat of a loner, he had decided to avoid solo travel to an unfamiliar place. The main doors opened and the people started to applaud, so Josh turned around to see President Han and Caliph Hossain walking in together. His blood ran cold when he noticed Hammond Finch behind them. Finch sat next to Han on one side of the table, and Hossain motioned for Josh to come and sit next to him. Hammond smiled at him and said, “It’s good to see you again, Joshua.”
